Cigarettes R Us

Anti-tobacco group congratulates government interventions

15 September 2006

The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) has congratulated the Government for intensifying efforts against public smoking in the country.

The Department of Health submitted an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act in Parliament on Wednesday, significantly increasing fines for contravening the law.

This is in line with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, an international treaty on tobacco control which South Africa has rectified.

NCAS Director Yussuf Saloojee said the amended bill was an important step for the public health sector, especially with regard to children.

"Young children are most vulnerable to second hand smoking which leads to diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia," said Dr Saloojee.

Spokesperson for the health department Sibani Mngadi said the penalty for selling tobacco products to a minor and for failure to comply with the regulations on vending machines had been increased from R10 000 to a minimum of R100 000.

In addition, children under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed to buy cigarettes, nor be allowed into a designated smoking area.

The penalty for an individual smoking in a non-smoking area is proposed to be not less than R300.

"Also included are penalties for new offences such as failing to protect employees from tobacco smoke pollution, selling tobacco products in a health institution and a retailer not complying with point of sale conditions," said Mr Sibani.

The fine for the owner of a public place or employer who fails to ensure that there is no smoking in a smoke free area has been increased from R200 to a minimum of R20 000.

Dr Saloojee said the current law was working well but people simply did not obey it as they regarded the fine of R200 as meaninglessly low.

"With the new fines in place, people will think twice before contravening the law. This brings hope that people will now comply with the Act," he said.

The penalty for advertising and giving away free cigarettes has been increased from R 200 000 to a minimum of R1 000 000.